There will be four models of 29er full-suspension mountain bikes called Scalpel released by Cannondale for 2012. Two of the models are carbon and two are aluminum. Finally entering the 29er full suspension market, Cannondale made sure that they offer top quality.

In terms of design, Cannondale nicely mixed the looks of the 2011 Scalpel model with Jekyll’s innovative technology. Jekyll offers extra stiffness with the Clashnikov top tube while the 2011 Scalpel gives light weight and no pivot junction for chain and seat stays.

Highly anticipated, the 2012 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 29er Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes are finally out on the market. Thanks to its 100mm of suspension travel front and rear, the Scalpel is ideal for all-day trail riding and very versatile for mountain bike racing.

This seemingly normal carbon-bladed seat post was designed by Fraunhofer, a systems and technology development company. This carbon-bladed seat post was designed to be an alternative to spring-type suspension, which today is found on a lot of recreational bikes as well as some racers. The Fraunhofer Carbon-Bladed Full Suspension Seat Post is a lot lighter than the spring-type seat posts, as there are no moving parts. The design is rather simple, with two flexing carbon blades that provide 10-15mm of travel. Daniel Unger, triathlon world champion, says about the seat post:

“A hardtail mountain bike with this new kind of CFRP seat post rides as if it were a full suspension bike.”

Last month, the Fraunhofer Carbon-Bladed Full Suspension Seat Post’s design won a Eurobike award in Germany. Fraunhofer is currently working on mass-production version of the carbon-bladed seat post. Stay tuned for more info.